Growing up in western America, especially in the Bible Belt, it is assumed that someone is Christian unless they state otherwise. Along with this assumption, is the assumption of the belief in a God, the Father, and Jesus, His Son. Right off the bat, we are introduced to two ways of viewing the Divine: as a parental figure, and as a sibling or friend. And for most people in the west, it stays this way. Or so it may seem. What many fail to realize is that, on the other side of the globe, assumptions are being made that an individual in India follows one of the various Hindu religions. That in Japan, a person follows Shinto. And with each religion, new relationships to the Divine are added. Someone raised a Christian might not resonate with the idea of seeing God as a father figure, and thus ignore spirituality all together. But it's important to realize just how many ways of viewing the Highest there are amongst the world religions.

Father

This is perhaps the most well-known way of viewing the Divine in the western world, due to its popularity in Judaism and Christianity. The father figure is stern and strict, but loving. One is supposed to be submissive to their father, perhaps even mildly afraid and in awe of how larger than life he appears as a child.

Mother

This image is especially popular in neo-pagan movements, especially Wicca where the Goddess is worshipped. However, upon closer examination, it's also popular in Catholicism, where some regard Mary as the Mother of God, and some even worship her. A mother is supposed to be warm, supportive, and nurturing, as well as strong and resilient. Some movements, such as New Thought splinters, pray to both the Father and Mother God, combining the two images.

Friend

Seeing God as a friend or companion is a common way many Christians view Jesus. Also in the New Age, New Thought, Self-Help movements, the Ultimate is seen as a friend or even a co-creator. Loyal, trustworthy, someone to turn to and share the pain of living, or the joys of living, God the Friend is always there to lend a helping hand. Or advice against doing something stupid.

Owner/Master

Perhaps more controversial is seeing God to be one's owner or master. This relationship can actually be found in many religions as an undercurrent, from Christianity, to Islam, Hinduism, pagan and neo-pagan movements, just to name a few. There seems to be something comforting in giving up oneself fully to another, complete surrender and trust and the alleviation of responsibility. Now whether the Divine is seen as a good or a bad owner or master, depends on the tradition and person.

Child

This stance of seeing the Supreme Being as a child to be looked after can be found in certain practices of some Krishna devotees in Hinduism. Related to the tales of Krishna growing up with his mother, it is perhaps mothers that most often see the Divine in this light. The love for one's child is innate and runs deep, perhaps one of the closest things to unconditional love. So it makes sense that some people would find it easiest and best to love the Divine in this fashion.

Lover/Spouse

Mainstream modern Christians, as well as Americans in general, may flinch at this thought. However the pairing of God and eroticism can be found all throughout the religion's history; even the Bible can be this way (Psalms). It wasn't unusual of considering oneself a "bride" of Christ, in fact, that language is still in use today. This way of viewing the Divine is also popular in Hinduism, and neo-pagan movements.

Perhaps the most important thing is to keep an open mind regarding how one views God. By excluding all perspectives except one, you run the risk of alienating not only others, but yourself as well. Sometimes you don't need a parent, you need a friend. And perhaps the Divine is a mix of all of the above, and more; so you should see things how they work best for you.

Not in Kansas Anymore by Christine Wicker

Godtalk by Brad Gooch
http://www.mantraonnet.com/krishna-lila/krishna-lover1.html